Speaking ahead of Rangers’ matchday 31 fixture against El Kanemi Warriors in Enugu, Ilechukwu said the experience gained at international level has significantly influenced his approach, particularly in the areas of intensity, discipline and overall team structure.

“Change is constant in life. After working closely with Eric Chelle, the mentality I got from him is not an easy one. The training sessions are super intense, about 80 per cent of what we do now is heavy training,” he said.

Ilechukwu maintained that the discipline and structure he adopted during his time with the national team have translated directly into improved performances at the club level.

“I think my return has had a positive impact defensively, offensively, everything. The preparation, the pep talks, the quality, it gives confidence. I came back with an advantage,” he said.

Rangers have enjoyed a remarkable run since his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, losing just once in 11 matches, with six wins, four draws and seven clean sheets propelling them firmly into contention.

They currently sit second on the table with 50 points, just one behind leaders Rivers United, with eight matches remaining in the season.

Despite their strong position, Ilechukwu insisted his side will not be weighed down by pressure as the title race intensifies.

“There is no different message, we don’t want to be under pressure because of the league. We take it one game after the other, after this game we talk about the next one,” he said.

He added that his players possess the necessary qualities to compete at the highest level.

“They understand what it takes to win. They have the attitude, the capacity, the character, and they understand what we want. To me, we are always ready,” he said.

While acknowledging the strength of Rivers United, Ilechukwu maintained that the title race remains open heading into the final stretch of the campaign.

“They are the strongest team, but you never can tell what will happen. We are also strong. In the remaining games, we will fight more and stay at the top of our game but without pressure,” he said.

Having guided Rangers to the NPFL title in the 2023/24 season, Ilechukwu is now aiming to secure his second league crown in three years as the Enugu side continue their pursuit of the title.

Former international, Segun Odegbami, has faulted the Confederation of African Football for awarding the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco.

Odegbami described CAF’s decision to overturn the Jan. 18 final result as “bizarre, condemnable and unjustifiable.”

As reported by Tidesports source on Saturday, he noted that Senegal were crowned champions and celebrated globally before the verdict was reversed on technical grounds.

“It is unheard of in football history. You cannot take away a trophy won on the pitch two months after,” he said.

Odegbami said the decision had sparked outrage among football fans and stakeholders worldwide.

“This judgment has shaken CAF’s credibility. It is not surprising the world is up in arms,” he added.

The ex-Nigerian Football Legend questioned the motive behind the decision, describing it as risky and unpopular.

“What could have driven such a decision that undermines the spirit of the game?” he asked.

Odegbami said although football regulations may not cover every situation, rare cases require wisdom.

“This AFCON case demands that rules and common sense must align,” he said.

He recalled that Senegal were crowned by CAF and FIFA officials before a global audience.

“Two months later, CAF delivered what I call a ‘poisoned verdict’ through its Appeals Committee,” he said.

Odegbami explained that Morocco’s protest, earlier dismissed, was later upheld on appeal.

“The decision to reverse a final match result is one of the most unpopular ever,” he said..

He said the rules on walkouts are clear but must be applied with context.

According to him, Senegal players walked off after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, staying away for 17 minutes.

“Ordinarily, that attracts forfeiture, but the referee allowed play to resume, which changed everything,” he said.

Odegbami noted that petitions can alter results but argued that the AFCON final was different.

“If this were a qualifier, nobody would question the CAF’s decision. But this was the final,” he said.

He stressed that the trophy had been awarded and celebrations concluded before the reversal.

“There was no room for post-match litigation in a final of this magnitude,” he said.

Odegbami maintained that the referee’s decision to restart play nullified the forfeiture clause.

“The match resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, Senegal scored and won fairly,” he said.

He insisted that CAF had no justification to overturn the result after recognising a winner.

“Punish any infractions if necessary, but do not tamper with a concluded final,” he said.

Odegbami urged CAF to review its regulations and restore Senegal as champions.

“For now, CAF should retrace its steps and return the trophy to Senegal,” he advised.